Apple is planning to leverage the knowledge gained by Japan to improve Siri. Responding to queries posted by Nikkei Asian Review, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Japan has a big role to play in the development of AI.
Cook revealed that the company’s new advanced R&D center in Yokohama would mainly focus on deep engineering technology. This is very different from the R&D facility, which Apple’s building in China. Meanwhile, Cook added that the main focus of the company would be to enhance Apple’s artificial intelligence services. He especially emphasized the need to leverage Japanese expertise in the field.
AI is horizontal in nature, running across all products, and is used in ways that most people don’t even think about
Cook further said that the company is gearing up to make use of the AI technology to improve battery life and to recommend music to Apple Music subscribers. The technology will also help you to remember where you have parked the car.
During his interaction with the report inside a high-speed bullet train, Cook disclosed that the robotics heritage of Japan in legendary. However, the current state of its AI research remains ambiguous. This is because it requires deep learning from large chunks of analyzed data.
In the meantime, Japan has opened a Center for Advanced Integrated Intelligence Research in Tokyo. The research center is designed specifically to develop systems of AI that will be able to solve problems using Big Data.
The engineers will work in close relationship with several large companies including Sony, NEC, and Toyota. Moreover, the center will receive a funding of $99.7 million over the next financial year.
Cook also estimated that the future generations will make optimum use of Apple Pay, the iPhone, and the Apple Watch. This would eventually promote a cashless society.
We would like to be a catalyst for taking cash out of the system. We don’t think the consumer particularly likes cash.
During his Japan visit, Cook also met Nintendo’s legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. He played Super Mario Run, which is expected to arrive on Apple iOS store by the end of the year.
We don’t have any idea about Tim Cook’s plans during his stay in Japan. Will he land in New Delhi from Tokyo? Let’s wait and watch.
